CROSBY Civic Hall will remain open until at least autumn, after Sefton Council extended the venue's stay of execution.

The Hall was thrown a lifeline in January after a group of local arts enthusiasts were handed the keys to the iconic venue.

The volunteer group, calling themselves Crosby Cultural Quarter, have been running the struggling theatre under a four- month pilot scheme monitored by the council.

Now, following the completion of the trial period, the team hoping to rejuvenate the troubled hall's fortunes have been told they can remain operating until the end of September.

One of the founders of the company, Debbi Jones, development director for Crosby's Streatham House School, said that the venue could still become an artistic hub of activity for the community.

Ms Jones said: "We are really pleased to get the opportunity to run the Crosby Civic Hall for a further few months.

"We have been told the trial period has been extended to the end of September but it could go on until the end of October.

"We can now work on securing bookings and coming up with ideas for the summer period."

Ms Jones agreed it had been a frustrating period for everyone involved with the new team.

She said: “We have a small core group working here which is a mixture of professionals and volunteers.

“No one can deny, especially the council, that we have done what we set out to do, which was to prove there was a demand for the Civic Hall.

“It is up to the council now to decide our future, and although it is frustrating we appreciate that the council have to do their best for Sefton.”

Since January, the venue has hosted various events with an emphasis on working with schools and youth groups.

The Hall’s future remains in doubt, though, after a plan to redevelop the site was revealed by Sefton Council following the responses to its controversial library closure consultation. An update on the borough-wide library review will be reported to Sefton's Cabinet Committee on May 23.

A spokesman for Sefton Council said: "Early indications are that the trial period has gone well.

“We are currently in discussions with the Crosby Cultural Quarter to evaluate possible future options, with a view to extending the trial for a further period."